Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing growing pressure over his ties to Manchester City's Abu Dhabi-based owners, with a leading journalist suggesting the controversy could end his premiership.
Speaking on the Daily Expresso podcast, Associate Editor James Walker said Mr Burnham's claim that he had only one "significant" meeting with the club's chiefs was "b*******". Reports have emerged that the PM actually met City executives at least seven times while serving as Greater Manchester mayor.
Claims of a cover-up
Walker told host JJ Anisiobi that Mr Burnham's transparency on the issue was in question, comparing his downplaying of the meetings to "telling your wife you've gone out for one pint and you'll be back for dinner".
"He met these guys at least seven times and says only one meeting was 'significant'. Don't insult our intelligence, we know what goes on at these sort of meetings, right?" Walker said.
He added that the controversy was "starting to stink a little bit of a cover-up", noting that Emirati-linked companies now own nearly 40% more land in the region than a decade ago.
Premier League ruling fallout
The scrutiny follows an independent commission ruling that Manchester City used "sham" contracts to inject £830million of inflated income into the club over nine seasons between 2009 and 2018. The club was found guilty of more than 100 Premier League rule breaches and has launched an appeal, denying any wrongdoing.
In September, Mr Burnham appeared to sympathise with City's owners, describing them as a "huge partner in the building of modern Manchester" and saying he would be "really concerned" if they sold the club.
Walker warned the situation could escalate, saying: "Honestly, I think it could be over for Burnham if this snowballs into something bigger." Reports have claimed the United Arab Emirates could halt multi-billion investments into the UK following the ruling.
